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GED

In November 1942, the United States Armed Forces Institute asked the American Council on Education (ACE) to develop a battery of tests to measure high school-level academic skills. These Tests of General Educational Development (GED) gave military personnel and veterans who had served in World War II before completing high school, a way to demonstrate their knowledge. Passing these tests gave returning soldiers and sailors the academic credentials they needed to get civilian jobs. The GED diploma is earned by passing a series of five (5) tests that include: Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, and Science.

As you earn your GED diploma, you’ll be in the company of many famous GED grads, including actors Bill Cosby, Michael J.. Fox, and Christian Slater, Indy racing driver Danica Patrick, Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton, business tycoons Dave Thomas (started Wendy’s) and Wally Amos (founded Famous Amos cookies), and ABC News Anchor Peter Jennings. Proof enough that a GED can’t hold you back in the pursuit of your lifelong goals!

You must be 18 or older to take the tests or must prove that you have been out of school for more than one year to test at age 17. Other exceptions may apply. GED preparation can start at age 17.

The GED process starts with a required morning or evening orientation that includes GED pre-testing. Your pre-test scores tell us if you are ready to take the official tests. If your pre-test scores indicate that you need to improve your skills, we offer classes and/or tutoring. The classes are free, but books may cost $25-$35. We offer pre-testing several times a year. Please call 490-5145 to register. You must attend all three sessions of pre-testing. Childcare is available during the morning session.

You may take the official tests if your pre-test scores show that you are ready. Official testing follows pre-testing. You MUST bring a government-issued picture i.d. (Driver’s License, Maine State ID, Passport, etc) to test.